Optimization of a Geothermal Turbine

by Jordan Egg

Submitted : Spring 2013

It is possible to obtain power through a geothermal water source by vaporizing the liquid at a specific pressure and temperature so that it will pass through and power the turbine. But, if the pressure is too low not much vapor will be produced resulting in little power produced by the turbine and if too much vapor is produced the vapor will be formed in the separator and the pressure differential will be small and again not produce the optimum amount of power. There is a one to one ratio between pressure and temperature and by using and combining several formulas the ideal temperature to produce the maximum possible turbine power can be calculated. After manipulating the formulas to determine turbine work in terms of temperature T2, one large equation resulted. Using this equation with a simple trial and error approach, the maximum work, 1362.23kJ/s was produced when the temperature T2 equaled 409°K.

[ Back ]